Reflect some of the ways that you want to assess your students, i.e. monitor their level of understanding what you're teaching.
Assessment is a tricky topic, since in my eyes it is very difficult to do properly! One way that I hope to check understanding is through a variety of different methods, some inquiry type-work such as a lab; then compile a data sheet and answer questions. Another way that I would like to assess my students is with beforehand and after-the-unit assessments- to figure out exactly what students already know about a subject.
I would like to also encourage within my classroom the use of questions. It appears to me, that science revolves around questions, and that the solution to a "question" is a number of better questions
Describe your grading policy, i.e. how you will assign scores to represent performance. Explain why you are choosing to use this method. If you are continuing your CT's grading policy, explain what you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.
My grading policy will be on a point system, since it is much easier to calculate and visualize both for students, parents, and the teacher too! Certain things will be worth more, for example tests, quizzes, and large lab reports. At the end of the year or quarter, there would then be a total number of points that they could have received, and they could compare that to the actual number of points that they did receive. This also leaves flexibility for assessments- I don't have to grade every project on the same scale as a test, rather a huge project could rate more than the average test, or if there is a large homework assignment due, students could receive more credit for their work as well.
However, during my stay with my CT, I am going to stick to his grading policy, and learn from the strengths and weaknesses there. He scales it as a final percentage, 35% tests, 25% quizzes, 15% for homework, and 25 for class participation and effort. I find that, if you are a poor tester, this puts you at a disadvantage. Also, if you happen to be a shy student, or are really sick for a period of time, it makes it difficult for the teacher to figure out how to help you as well as you having more trouble catching up. Another disadvantage is that it is difficult to calculate, especially for some students at this grade level.
One advantage, (I am sure there are others, I just can't find them) is that there is a set value to each artifact, and if there is any question, students will easily be able to find out how to solve it.
Assessment is a tricky topic, since in my eyes it is very difficult to do properly! One way that I hope to check understanding is through a variety of different methods, some inquiry type-work such as a lab; then compile a data sheet and answer questions. Another way that I would like to assess my students is with beforehand and after-the-unit assessments- to figure out exactly what students already know about a subject.Reflect some of the ways that you want to assess your students, i.e. monitor their level of understanding what you're teaching.
I would like to also encourage within my classroom the use of questions. It appears to me, that science revolves around questions, and that the solution to a "question" is a number of better questions
My grading policy will be on a point system, since it is much easier to calculate and visualize both for students, parents, and the teacher too! Certain things will be worth more, for example tests, quizzes, and large lab reports. At the end of the year or quarter, there would then be a total number of points that they could have received, and they could compare that to the actual number of points that they did receive. This also leaves flexibility for assessments- I don't have to grade every project on the same scale as a test, rather a huge project could rate more than the average test, or if there is a large homework assignment due, students could receive more credit for their work as well.Describe your grading policy, i.e. how you will assign scores to represent performance. Explain why you are choosing to use this method. If you are continuing your CT's grading policy, explain what you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.
However, during my stay with my CT, I am going to stick to his grading policy, and learn from the strengths and weaknesses there. He scales it as a final percentage, 35% tests, 25% quizzes, 15% for homework, and 25 for class participation and effort. I find that, if you are a poor tester, this puts you at a disadvantage. Also, if you happen to be a shy student, or are really sick for a period of time, it makes it difficult for the teacher to figure out how to help you as well as you having more trouble catching up. Another disadvantage is that it is difficult to calculate, especially for some students at this grade level.
One advantage, (I am sure there are others, I just can't find them) is that there is a set value to each artifact, and if there is any question, students will easily be able to find out how to solve it.